The Arcade 2.0™ Video Game Law Blog

The Arcade “2.0” is a recognition that the simple legal issues that once walked hand-in-hand with a traditional video arcade have now been displaced by sophisticated, complex legal issues ranging from patenting the algorithms that allow video games to operate, attempted regulation by State legislatures of gaming content that is protected speech under the First Amendment, to money laundering by using virtual currency.

Due in part to the rise of online streaming platforms, competitive gaming,
commonly called esports, has exploded over the past decade. The emergence of
the industry has roused debate about whether esports should be considered a
sport. Particularly those heavily involved in the industry believe that
esports have much in common with traditional sports and should be classified
as such. Those on the other side of the argument often point to the lack of
physical exertion as a reason to avoid classify...

Once regarded as a niche endeavor, the world of esports is increasingly
becoming a part of mainstream culture. Thanks largely to a thriving esports
industry in South Korea and the rise of accessible streaming platforms such as
Twitch.tv, the last decade has seen an incredible surge in viewership. Esports
events, such as Dota 2's The International, pull in millions of viewers each
year excited to root for their favorite team. But as esports has found its
footing, the industry has begun to reasses...

About Us

Watson LLP is a United States based law firm practicing in the areas of intellectual property,
entertainment law, litigation, government investigations, and eDiscovery. The firm has offices in
Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and Orlando. For more information, please visit www.watsonllp.com.